BSc Agriculture with a Placement Year
-
UCAS code
D401 -
A level offer
BBB -
Year of entry
2026/27 -
Course duration
Full Time: 4 Years
-
Year of entry
2026/27 -
Course duration
Full Time: 4 Years
Our BSc Agriculture course covers everything that impacts production in the supply chain while considering global goals relating to sustainability.
Study at one of the UK’s leading universities for environmental and ethical performance (the University of Reading is ranked 4th in the People and Planet University League, 2024/25).
The University of Reading is the highest placed UK university for Agriculture and Forestry at 20th in the world (QS World Rankings by Subject, Agriculture and Forestry, 2025). We’re ranked 6th in the UK for Agriculture and Forestry (in the Times & The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025).
BSc Agriculture focuses on studying the science underpinning food production, and you will learn how to use biology and technology to maximise crop and animal production to meet targets and achieve environmental objectives, while gaining valuable practical skills.
In the National Student Survey 2023, 100% of our students said that teaching staff were good or very good at explaining things (100% of respondents studying on our BSc Agriculture course).
Pathways
Our agriculture programme also offers you distinct opportunities to specialise. You can study a broad-based agriculture course, or specialise in crops, horticulture or livestock after your first year. If you select a mix of optional modules in your second and third years, you will graduate with our highly esteemed broad-based BSc Agriculture degree.
If you choose the crop science, horticultural science or livestock production pathway through your optional module selection, and complete your final year independent research project in your specialist area, you’ll be eligible to graduate with one of the following specialist degrees:
- BSc Agriculture and Crop Science
- BSc Agriculture and Horticultural Science
- BSc Agriculture and Livestock Production
You don’t need to choose whether to take a specialist pathway until the end of the first year of our BSc Agriculture course, giving you the time and flexibility to decide what suits you best.
As part of the degree all students can study globally recognised farming practices on the University's own farms. These include livestock production (Centre for Dairy Research and the Department of Animal Sciences), agronomy and horticulture (Crops Research Unit and Department of Crop Science) and environmental enhancement (Department of Sustainable Land Management and Centre for Agri-Environmental Research).
You'll have the opportunity to visit a wide range of local farming businesses, rural estates and businesses in the related sectors and hear from speakers at the forefront of the industry, from agronomists to those involved in the livestock and dairy sectors, giving you the chance to network and build relationships while you learn. Previous visits have included Waitrose’s Leckford Estate, Syngenta and NIAB TAG.
In one of our most popular modules you will grow a winter cereal, test it in the lab for quality and then sell it to merchants. You will also complete a residential study tour within the UK to look at different farming enterprises as part of this degree.
In the final year, your independent research project allows you to choose a subject that inspires and interests you. This could involve a farm, including your home farm, research at the University or an enterprise that you’ve had contact with during the course.
Outside of the curriculum, the student-run Agri-club runs the UK’s largest student conference. It gives you the opportunity to debate key issues like food security and self-sufficiency and get your voice heard.
For more information, please visit the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development website.
Placement
This degree includes a year in industry between the second and final year.
In the past, students have undertaken their year in industry in the UK with Frontier Agriculture, Greenvale AP Ltd, and Waitrose and Partners, as well as internationally, in Europe and New Zealand. You will be supported by our Placements Team who will assist with finding and supporting your year out.
For more information about securing and completing a placement for your placement year, please visit our Important Information page.
Overview
Our BSc Agriculture course covers everything that impacts production in the supply chain while considering global goals relating to sustainability.
Study at one of the UK’s leading universities for environmental and ethical performance (the University of Reading is ranked 4th in the People and Planet University League, 2024/25).
The University of Reading is the highest placed UK university for Agriculture and Forestry at 20th in the world (QS World Rankings by Subject, Agriculture and Forestry, 2025). We’re ranked 6th in the UK for Agriculture and Forestry (in the Times & The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025).
BSc Agriculture focuses on studying the science underpinning food production, and you will learn how to use biology and technology to maximise crop and animal production to meet targets and achieve environmental objectives, while gaining valuable practical skills.
In the National Student Survey 2023, 100% of our students said that teaching staff were good or very good at explaining things (100% of respondents studying on our BSc Agriculture course).
Learning
Pathways
Our agriculture programme also offers you distinct opportunities to specialise. You can study a broad-based agriculture course, or specialise in crops, horticulture or livestock after your first year. If you select a mix of optional modules in your second and third years, you will graduate with our highly esteemed broad-based BSc Agriculture degree.
If you choose the crop science, horticultural science or livestock production pathway through your optional module selection, and complete your final year independent research project in your specialist area, you’ll be eligible to graduate with one of the following specialist degrees:
- BSc Agriculture and Crop Science
- BSc Agriculture and Horticultural Science
- BSc Agriculture and Livestock Production
You don’t need to choose whether to take a specialist pathway until the end of the first year of our BSc Agriculture course, giving you the time and flexibility to decide what suits you best.
As part of the degree all students can study globally recognised farming practices on the University's own farms. These include livestock production (Centre for Dairy Research and the Department of Animal Sciences), agronomy and horticulture (Crops Research Unit and Department of Crop Science) and environmental enhancement (Department of Sustainable Land Management and Centre for Agri-Environmental Research).
You'll have the opportunity to visit a wide range of local farming businesses, rural estates and businesses in the related sectors and hear from speakers at the forefront of the industry, from agronomists to those involved in the livestock and dairy sectors, giving you the chance to network and build relationships while you learn. Previous visits have included Waitrose’s Leckford Estate, Syngenta and NIAB TAG.
In one of our most popular modules you will grow a winter cereal, test it in the lab for quality and then sell it to merchants. You will also complete a residential study tour within the UK to look at different farming enterprises as part of this degree.
In the final year, your independent research project allows you to choose a subject that inspires and interests you. This could involve a farm, including your home farm, research at the University or an enterprise that you’ve had contact with during the course.
Outside of the curriculum, the student-run Agri-club runs the UK’s largest student conference. It gives you the opportunity to debate key issues like food security and self-sufficiency and get your voice heard.
For more information, please visit the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development website.
Placement
This degree includes a year in industry between the second and final year.
In the past, students have undertaken their year in industry in the UK with Frontier Agriculture, Greenvale AP Ltd, and Waitrose and Partners, as well as internationally, in Europe and New Zealand. You will be supported by our Placements Team who will assist with finding and supporting your year out.
For more information about securing and completing a placement for your placement year, please visit our Important Information page.
Entry requirements A Level BBB
Select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.
Our typical offers are expressed in terms of A level, BTEC and International Baccalaureate requirements. However, we also accept many other qualifications.
Typical offer
BBB
We require one science at A level.
Acceptable science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geology.
International Baccalaureate
30 points overall, including an acceptable science subject at higher level
Extended Project Qualification
In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.
BTEC Extended Diploma
DDM (Modules taken must be comparable to A level subjects specified)
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5
For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.
Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students
For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.
International Foundation Programme
If you are an international or EU student and do not meet the requirements for direct entry to your chosen degree you can join the University of Reading’s International Foundation Programme. Successful completion of this 1 year programme guarantees you a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. English language requirements start as low as IELTS 4.5 depending on progression degree and start date.
Pre-sessional English language programme
If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.
Structure
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
AP1A12 | Introduction to Crop Production | DR Gillian Rose |
AP1A18 | Digestion and Nutrition | DR Sokratis Stergiadis |
AP1A24 | Introduction to Livestock Production | DR Sokratis Stergiadis |
AP1A25 | Agriculture in Practice | DR Laurence Smith |
AP1A28 | Global Sustainability: Challenges and Prospects | DR Nick Bardsley |
AP1A29 | Crop Physiology, Nutrition and Protection | PROF Donal O'Sullivan |
AP1A30 | Agricultural Research Skills | DR Gillian Rose |
GV1E1 | Soils in the Environment | DR Steve Robinson |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
AP1EM1 | Introduction to Marketing | MR Nick Walker |
AP1SB1 | Introduction to Management | PROF Julian Park |
GV1BGE | Biogeography and Ecology | PROF Frank Mayle |
GV1C | Climatology | PROF Maria Shahgedanova |
BI1S1 | Introductory Microbiology | DR Geraldine Mulley |
CL1G1 | Ancient Greek 1 | PROF Amy Smith |
CL1L1 | Latin 1 (C) | MRS Jackie Baines |
MT1CC | The Science of Climate Change | PROF Nigel Arnell |
TY1WTF10 | What the font? Making and using typefaces (10 credits) | DR Matthew Lickiss |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
AP2A20 | Agricultural Field Study Tour (Agric & ABM) | DR Laurence Smith |
AP2A56 | Grassland Management & Ecology | PROF Simon Mortimer |
AP2A66 | Crop Agronomy | DR Paola Tosi |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
AP2A26 | Forestry and Woodlands | PROF Martin Lukac |
AP2A35 | Animal Health and Disease | DR Kate Johnson |
AP2A50 | Animal Growth, Lactation and Reproduction | DR Les Crompton |
AP2A59 | Nature Conservation | DR Alice Haughan |
AP2A64 | Farm Business Management | DR Yiorgos Gadanakis |
AP2A67 | Animal Nutrition | DR Kirsty Kliem |
AP2A69 | Principles of Horticulture and Crop Production | DR Luke Bell |
GV2F4 | Soil Ecology and Functions | PROF Elizabeth Shaw |
AR2F17 | Forensic Archaeology and Crime Scene Analysis | PROF Mary Lewis |
AR2M8 | Medieval Europe: power, religion and death | DR Gabor Thomas |
BI2EX5 | Introduction to Entomology | DR Chris Foster |
CL2AE | Ancient Epic | DR Doukissa Kamini |
CL2AEL | Ancient Egyptian Language and Hieroglyphs | PROF Rachel Mairs |
CL2CGH | Greek History: Persian Wars to Alexander | PROF Emma Aston |
CL2DR | Ancient Drama | PROF David Carter |
CL2RO | Roman History: From Republic to Empire | DR Tim Penn |
ED2TS1 | Development of transferable skills through a school placement 1 | DR Caroline Foulkes |
ED2TS2 | Development of transferable skills through a school placement 2 | DR Caroline Foulkes |
LS2LAT | Introduction to English Language Teaching | DR Erhan Aslan |
LS2LNM | Language and New Media | PROF Rodney Jones |
ML2GF | Science, perversion, and dream in global fantastic literature | DR Alice Christensen |
ML2STA | Society, Thought, and Art in Modern Europe | DR Athena Leoussi |
MM270 | Practice of Entrepreneurship | PROF Norbert Morawetz |
MT2CC | The Science of Climate Change | PROF Nigel Arnell |
PO2MIR | Modern International Relations | DR Joseph O' Mahoney |
PO2PWS | Politics of the Welfare State | DR Christoph Arndt |
PO2THI | Political Thinking | DR Maxime Lepoutre |
PP2EA1 | Ethical Argument 1: Philosophy and How to Live | DR Luke Elson |
PP2GP1 | Global Philosophy 1 | MISS Michela Bariselli |
PP2HKW1 | Hume, Kant, and Wittgenstein 1 | DR Sev.J. Schroeder |
PP2IDR1 | Ignorance, Doubt, and Relativism 1 | DR Walter Veit |
PP2MM1 | Meaning and the Mind 1 | DR Walter Veit |
PP2OID1 | Oppression, Inequality, and the Enemies of Democracy 1 | DR George Mason |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
AP2PP1 | Professional Placement | MS Rebecca Jerrome |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
AP3A47 | Cereal Management and Marketing | DR Paola Tosi |
AP3A81 | Dissertation | DR Gillian Rose |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
AP3A102 | Principles of Integrated Pest Management | DR Alexey Mikaberidze |
AP3A104 | Meat Production and Quality | DR Caroline Rymer |
AP3A106 | Horticultural Crop Technology | DR Luke Bell |
AP3A107 | Agricultural technology: application, adoption, and ethics | PROF Jim Dunwell |
AP3A45 | Agricultural Systems in the Tropics | DR Andrew Daymond |
AP3A54 | Business Management (Case Studies) | PROF Peter Dorward |
AP3A64 | Human Resource Management | MS Rebecca Jerrome |
AP3A67 | Animal Welfare | DR Zoe Barker |
AP3A82 | Business Planning and Control | DR Yiorgos Gadanakis |
AP3A83 | Practical Animal Nutrition | DR Caroline Rymer |
AP3A89 | Water, Agriculture and Irrigation | DR Gillian Rose |
AP3A90 | Climate Change and Food Systems | DR Jake Bishop |
AP3A93 | Dairy Production | PROF Christopher Reynolds |
AP3A98 | Equine Science and Management | DR Kate Johnson |
AP3A99 | Plants, Greenspace and Urban Sustainability | DR Tijana Blanusa |
AP3AE70 | Environmental Management in Practice | PROF Simon Mortimer |
AP3AE75 | Wildlife and Farming | PROF Simon Mortimer |
AP3EB3 | Supply Chain Management | DR Giacomo Zanello |
GV3CC | Climate Change | PROF Maria Shahgedanova |
GV3ESM | Ecosystems Modelling | DR Shovonlal Roy |
GV3TRC | Tropical Rainforests, Climate & Lost Civilisations | PROF Frank Mayle |
CL1G1 | Ancient Greek 1 | PROF Amy Smith |
CL1L1 | Latin 1 (C) | MRS Jackie Baines |
ED3TS3 | Development of transferable skills through a school placement 3 | DR Caroline Foulkes |
ED3TS4 | Development of transferable skills through a school placement 4 | DR Caroline Foulkes |
FB3NGLA | Genes, Lifestyle and Nutrition | DR Vimal Karani |
LS3IC | Intercultural Communications | DR Erhan Aslan |
LW3CRY | Criminology | PROFESSOR Jo Phoenix |
ML3IC | Identity and Conflict in Modern Europe | DR Athena Leoussi |
ML3LP | Language and Power | PROF Federico Faloppa |
MM302 | Entrepreneurial Project | DR Matteo Borghi |
PO3FPT | Feminism and Political Theory | DR Maxime Lepoutre |
PO3IPE | International Political Economy | DR Jonathan Golub |
PO3USF | US Foreign and Defence Policy since 1950 | DR Graham O'Dwyer |
RE3RD | Rural Diversification | MRS Angela Cropley |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Fees
New UK/Republic of Ireland students: the University of Reading will charge undergraduate home tuition fees at the upper limit as set by the UK government for the relevant academic year. The fee cap for 2026/27 hasn't been confirmed yet. Please check the fees and funding webpage for the latest information. The annual fee for 2025/26 is £9,535.
New international students: £30,650 for 2026/27. The International tuition fee is subject to annual increases changes in subsequent years of study as set out in your student contract. For more details, please visit our Fees for International Students page.
Tuition fees
To find out more about how the University of Reading sets its tuition fees, see our fees and funding pages.
Additional costs
Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.
Placement year fees
If you spend a full year on placement, you will only pay 15% of your usual tuition fee for that year. For more information, please see our fees and funding pages or contact placements@reading.ac.uk.
Financial support for your studies
You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.
Careers
Our BSc Agriculture programme prepares you for senior technical and scientific roles in a wide range of agriculture related enterprises. The University of Reading has an outstanding reputation with employers.
Students who have completed the Agriculture course in the last five years have gone into a wide variety of graduate jobs including agronomy, livestock nutrition and horticulture.
Graduates work with companies including Syngenta, HGCA, NIAB TAG, and Volac.
The University of Reading ranks 1st for graduate salary for Agriculture, food and related studies after five years; the average salary calculated at £36,500 is over £8,500 more than the average graduate salary after five years for this subject across all universities (Telegraph analysis of DfE data on the earnings of first degree graduates after five years from English Higher Education Institutions, published in June 2025).